I swear I blinked – and May came and went. It’s full on summer mode at the Disneyland Resort now, and honestly, once Memorial Day weekend hits I feel like the season has officially arrived! Across the Disneyland Resort, the parks and Downtown Disney are each filling with crowds – and celebrations – as a historic milestone kicks off. Let’s take a look back at what’s been happening this month at the Happiest Place on Earth.
THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY BEGINS
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebration officially began this month, and the park is looking fabulous.
Source: Scott Gustin
From retro-inspired décor to special merchandise and treats, the park is celebrating 70 years of magic in full technicolor.
Source: MouseInfo
My favorite parts of the celebration so far are the “special moments” hidden throughout Disneyland. If you have a MagicBand+, head to one of these 5 locations (also marked on the map in the Disneyland app):
At each stop, tap your MagicBand+ and you’ll get a little keepsake inspired by the park’s earliest attractions. For a full breakdown of how they each work, check out this video from Adventure Isle:
The anniversary is set to run through the summer, so expect more surprises still to come. Plus…we’re all still anxiously awaiting the Walt animatronic!
In the meantime, enjoy this video Disney shared celebrating 70 years of cast members:
REMEMBERING FALLEN SOLDIERS ON MEMORIAL DAY
Every evening, Disneyland hosts a flag retreat ceremony on Main Street. But on Memorial Day, this moment is a little bit bigger of an event. The Navy Band Southwest, Dapper Dans, and Disneyland Security Honor Guard all joined together for the ceremony. Here’s a full video, courtesy of Daps Magic:
Throughout the park, various restaurants also set tables for fallen soldiers. Often called “missing man tables“, each element of the setting holds significance:
- Small table set for one – symbolizes the isolation of the absent service member.
- White tablecloth – symbolizes the pure intentions of the service members who responded to the country’s call to arms.
- A single rose – symbolizes the blood that service members have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of the United States of America, and/or the family and friends who kept faith while awaiting the soldier’s return
- A yellow ribbon – symbolizes a love of country that inspired the service members to serve the country.
- A slice of lemon – symbolizes the bitter fate of the missing.
- Sprinkled salt – symbolizes the tears shed by waiting families.
- An inverted glass – symbolizes the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake in the meal.
- A lit candle – symbolizes a light of hope that illuminates the missing’s way home.
- An empty chair – symbolizes the absence of the missing and fallen.
Source: MouseInfo
DISNEYLAND GOES BANANAS
On a lighter note, Disneyland ended the month with a very special set of visitors: The Savannah Bananas baseball team!
Source: Disney Parks Blog
The Bananas performed in front of the castle, joined in a cavalcade, and even found time to hit a few rides.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
If you missed them during their park visit, you can see them play the Firefighters tonight and tomorrow night at Angel Stadium.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
OTHER UPDATES
The new entry gates are still being gradually rolled out at both parks. The goal with the new gates is to speed up traffic flow (especially in the mornings when more new tickets are being scanned), vs. the traditional hand-held scanners. Keep your eyes out for them on your next park visit.
And finally, there’s been a small change over in New Orleans Square this month. With the opening of Madame Leota’s by the Haunted Mansion, the attraction suddenly had two gift shops. So this month, the former Port Royal gift shop transformed into a lounge-style seating area. I personally think it looks great, and adds much needed seating to the land.
Source: Laughing Place